Some
2.4 billion people, one-third of the world’s population will remain
without access to improved sanitation in 2015, according to a joint
WHO/UNICEF report just released.
The report, entitled Progress on
Sanitation and Drinking-Water 2013 Update, warns that, at the current
rate of progress, the 2015 Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target of
halving the proportion of the 1990 population without sanitation would
be missed by eight percent – or half a billion people.
While UNICEF and WHO announced last
year that the MDG drinking water target had been met and surpassed by
2010, the challenge to improve sanitation and reach those in need has
led to a consolidated call for action to accelerate progress.
“There is an urgent need to ensure all
the necessary pieces are in place – political commitment, funding,
leadership – so the world can accelerate progress and reach the
Millennium Development Goal sanitation target. The world can turn
around and transform the lives of millions that still do not have access
to basic sanitation. The rewards would be immense for health, ending
poverty at its source, and well-being,” said Dr Maria Neira, WHO
Director for Public Health and Environment.
The report echoes the urgent call to
action by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson for the
world community to combine efforts and end open defecation by 2025. With
less than three years to go to reach the MDG deadline WHO and UNICEF
call for a final push to meet the sanitation target.
“This is an emergency no less
horrifying than a massive earthquake or tsunami. Every day hundreds of
children are dying; every day thousands of parents mourn their sons and
daughters. We can and must act in the face of this colossal daily human
tragedy,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, global head of UNICEF’s water,
sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programme.
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